I know what some of you are thinking? Wait, I’m already spending (insert large amount of money) on (insert wedding vendor catagory). Are you saying I have to tip on top of that? In many cases, the answer is yes.

I’m one of those people who overtips. I tip everyone for everything. I have worked for tips in my life. I understand what tipping is about and how much it is appreciated. And I’m pretty sure I tipped all of my vendors in one way or another (whether it was a gift of appreciation or the customary tip, which for me is 20%). My motto is “when in doubt, TIP.” But, I also understand that many most of you are on a tight budget when planning a wedding and tipping everyone 20% on top of their fees can get expensive. So I thought this helpful tip cheat sheet from Southern Weddings Mag would come in handy!

This is a great little cheat sheet to give you a guide when tipping. But if a vendor went above and beyond or did something totally not in their usual list of duties, a tip is nice gesture even if it isn’t required. And I love the little note on the sheet: a grateful spirit and a genuine thank you note go a long way. Everyone should get a hand-written thank you note!

I hope you find this helpful in your budgeting and tipping for your wedding vendors. Another tip: to keep this from hurting your wallet right before the wedding, build the tip into your wedding budget from the start so there are no surprises.

I really don’t agree with lots of these tipping guidelines. (To each their own of course though!) The rule of thumb should be: If someone goes above and beyond your expectations, or needs, or just does a wonderful, wonderful amazing job- no matter who they are, or who employs them, or if they employ themselves- it’s a wonderful act of generosity to tip them. If someone does a great job- give a token of thanks if you can. If they don’t really… Just say thank you. That’s really all it should be, at least I think. And I try hard to really reward those who have gone to that higher level of service towards me.

I totally agree Emily! I understand the idea behind “you don’t have to tip if this vendor owns their own biz” because the ones who don’t rely more on tips than the ones who do. But anyone who goes above and beyond and makes your day special should get a tip if possible. I just wanted to share the cheat sheet to give a basic idea (because, let’s face it, some people are not good tippers.) At least they will see this and know they are supposed to tip 🙂